When Cannondale a new Jekyll shows, the pulse rate of many bikers increases. Past Jekyll models have always pushed the development of mountain bikes to the next level. The original Jekyll from the year 2000 already impressed with its independent concepts. Geometry and suspension travel adjustment were revolutionary at the time and are still a trademark of the Jekyll genre today. For the current 2017 models, Cannondale is saying goodbye to the DYAD rear suspension system with pull-shock damper that was last used. In the picture gallery with all Jekylls from Cannondale, you can see the progress made over the past 17 years.
What's new about the Jekyll 2017?
Cannondale has positioned the Jekyll in the Enduro segment, as it has done recently. With 170 millimetres of travel at the fork and 165 millimetres at the rear, the Americans present a bike that is unconditionally designed for downhill fun. With a long main frame (469 millimetres reach in size L) and extremely short chainstays (420 millimetres), the Jekyll follows the current geometry trend. Such short chainstays are made possible by the asymmetrical rear triangle. Cannondale makes clever use of the Boost standard and moves the drivetrain three millimetres further to the right than usual. This leaves enough space for wide tyres, despite the short chainstays. The rear wheel is centred off-centre, as on current Liteville, FSI or Scalpel bikes. Built into the asymmetrical rear triangle, the rear wheel runs in line with the front wheel. All Jekyll bikes can only be ridden with a single drivetrain, but have an ISCG mount for chain guides. Only the top model (Jekyll 1) has a carbon rear triangle in addition to the carbon main frame. The cheaper models have an aluminium rear triangle, and the Jekyll 4 even has an all-aluminium frame. According to Cannondale, the carbon frame of the top model weighs 2300 grams in size M (without shock). When designing the frame, the engineers focussed primarily on durability and rigidity. The Jekyll 1 (pictured) is said to weigh 12.8 kilos without pedals and with tubeless tyres fitted.
Fans of the Lefty fork will have a tear rolling down their cheek in 2017, as all models are fitted with conventional Fox 36 forks. The Lefty with its one fork arm is no longer used in Cannondale bikes with more suspension travel.
The new Gemini system
The biggest difference to its predecessor: Cannondale is replacing the old DYAD damping system with pull-shock dampers with conventional push-shock dampers. The new Gemini system for suspension travel adjustment was developed in exclusive collaboration with Fox. The air volume on the shock can be reduced by 20 per cent using a lever on the handlebars. The result: Instead of 165 millimetres of travel in Flow mode, only 130 millimetres of travel is then available. The reduced air chamber in "Hussle" mode makes the rear end noticeably more progressive, the sag is reduced by approx. five millimetres, the bottom bracket is raised by approx. twelve millimetres and the steering angle becomes slightly steeper. However, the shock remains fully active. With its firmer characteristics, the "Hussle" mode with less suspension travel is suitable for flatter trail sections or climbs. In addition to the two different riding modes, the familiar Fox CTD platform can be adjusted with a lever on the shock. The installed shock has a normal metric installation dimension, so it can also be replaced later with a conventional model. The Gemini shock is also used on the Cannondale Trigger.
The 2017 models of the Cannondale Jekyll
In addition to the top model Jekyll 1 (7749 euros), there are also cheaper versions with an aluminium rear triangle.
The Jekyll 2 comes with Fox Performance suspension and costs 5999 euros.
The Jekyll 3 does not have an Eagle 1x12 drivetrain and is priced at 4199 euros.
The aluminium version of the Jekyll 4 costs 3199 euros. All bikes - with the exception of the aluminium Jekyll - are now available from Cannondale dealers.
First driving impression
On a first ride on the trails around Finale Ligure, the Jekyll 1 impressed with its direct handling. The carbon chassis transfers every movement of the rider directly to the trail, while a 35 millimetre short stem further emphasises the direct riding feel. The extremely short chainstays literally invite you to ride on the rear wheel. The new Cannondale Jekyll masters even the tightest corners with flying colours. In rough rock gardens, the Fox suspension does its usual solid job. The linear rear suspension absorbs even big hits without any problems. The wide 2.5 mm Maxxis tyres provide additional safety on descents. Even though the "Hussle" mode can theoretically be used on the trail, we only used it on the climbs. The firmer suspension is then clearly noticeable and allows you to climb more efficiently.
Conclusion on the Cannondale Jekyll
With the independent Gemini suspension, Cannondale remains true to its suspension travel and geometry adjustment via the handlebar lever. It is pleasing that, unlike its predecessor, normal shocks can also be fitted. The Jekyll makes a good first impression on the trails. Direct handling and plush suspension with 170 or 165 millimetres of travel make the new Cannondale development a real fun machine downhill. We are looking forward to the first comparison test with other current enduro bikes.
Manufacturer video of the new Cannondale Jekyll
Cannondale's developers and product managers explain the thinking behind the new 2017 bikes.
